Iraola refuses to guarantee Gakpo stays as Liverpool close in on £100m Barcola deal

Andoni Iraola has refused to guarantee that Cody Gakpo will remain at Liverpool as the club close in on a deal to sign PSG winger Bradley Barcola for an initial fee of just over £100m, potentially rising to £120m.

Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for the France international, a move that could have direct consequences for Gakpo’s future at Anfield. The Dutchman has attracted interest from Tottenham and Manchester City, and while he scored the first goal of Iraola’s reign, the Spaniard stopped well short of confirming he would stay.

“I cannot guarantee anything,” Iraola said. “You think I can smell who we are going to sign or what position but experience shows you that, if there is an opportunity on the last day, let’s take it. I don’t know what is going to happen, we have to be patient — even myself — for another four or five days.”

Liverpool would only sanction Gakpo’s departure if they could bring in two wingers to replace him. Alongside the Barcola pursuit, the club have had two bids rejected for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and have also expressed an interest in Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr.

Iraola was cautious when asked directly about Barcola, but acknowledged the club’s intent in the wide areas. “We are trying to sign in that position and we cannot talk about players that right now are not ours, but it is evident we are trying to improve and fill that position because we don’t have the numbers,” he said. “I hope we can have good news soon but we are still not there.”

The Spaniard also hinted that he would ideally strengthen in positions beyond the wings before the window closes on 2 September, though he acknowledged that may not be possible. “Ideally is the magic word,” he said. “The priority has been most in the wide areas. Still, we have four or five days. I am sure if we can improve other areas we will, but I don’t know how the market is going to finish.”

In a separate development, Iraola confirmed that Harvey Elliott was left out of the matchday squad for Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle in favour of youngster James McConnell. Elliott had an unsuccessful loan spell at Aston Villa last season, and Iraola indicated the 21-year-old still has work to do to force his way back into contention. “Harvey is trying and is improving week by week but still I prefer other options,” he said.